Artwork Page for Female Seated Figure

Details / Information for Female Seated Figure

Female Seated Figure

100 BCE–300 CE

Mexico, Nayarit

View all records in artwork set
Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Average: 52.3 x 30.5 x 29.5 cm (20 9/16 x 12 x 11 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Clara Taplin Rankin 1998.83.1
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Print

Description

This couple-extremely fine examples of their kind-may commemorate the marriage of an important person, such as a chief, but could also represent siblings of a chiefly family. Whatever their relationship, their unity is conveyed by their physical similarities, including their jewelry, which marks high social station. The female is unusual in nursing an infant, likely a reference to generational renewal and the continuation of noble bloodlines. The significance of the male’s activity-beating a turtle-shell drum- is not understood.
A speckled red-brown ceramic statue depicts a woman seated cross-legged, holding a small animal to her chest. She wears a textured headband, circular ear ornaments, a multi-strand necklace, and armbands. Her face features narrow eyes, an open mouth showing teeth, and a dark ornament on her prominent nose. A cloth wraps around her waist. She faces forward, hands carefully supporting the animal against her torso.

Female Seated Figure

100 BCE–300 CE

Mexico, Nayarit

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork